Arsenal Boss Arsene Wenger: We Signed Welbeck Because I Was In Rome

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Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has revealed that his participation in ‘Match of Peace’ in Rome was the reason behind deadline day capture of Danny Welbeck from Manchester United.

The Arsenal boss was hugely criticized for his participation in the ‘Match of Peace’ on the deadline day as his team was in desperate need of attacking reinforcements. But Falcao moved to Manchester United in the early part of the day and Arsenal snapped this opportunity by signing Welbeck for 16 million pounds.

“If I had not travelled that day, Welbeck would not be here. The coincidence made it. If I stayed in my home, Welbeck would not be here. I will tell you that story one day. That is the truth. We are in 2014, you can always be in touch.”

“I thought when they bought Falcao they had to let somebody go,” said Wenger. He was speaking to The Daily Telegraph. “I was not aware of the start that he would be available, it was quick, but I had no hesitation to do it.”

Arsenal have been criticized for waiting for the deadline day to sign the striker and splashing such huge cash on Manchester United outcast Welbeck. But Wenger claimed that Welbeck is a quality addition and he is suitable to the needs of the club.

“Danny Welbeck is an ideal signing because he can play through the middle – which I think is his best position – but also through the flanks,” said Wenger. “He works for the team, he brings pace and can score goals. He is happy and confident.”

Welbeck was mainly used on flanks at Manchester United but when asked about the ability of him to play in the middle, Wenger said: “I think so. He is very versatile but, if you analyse in an objective way, he has the perfect style to play through the middle. I can make himself a better player. I can help. He is a young boy, not 24 yet. Some players who arrived at the age of 23 made huge careers here.”

Arsenal signed Welbeck permanently but Wenger said that initial loan deal was his preferred option. “With an option to buy yes. In the end, when it was a permanent transfer or loan with an option to buy, I was happy to buy permanently.”

Meanwhile, the Arsenal boss had a meeting with ex-Manchester United manager Sir Alex Fergusson last week. But Wenger refused to say whether they discussed anything about the sale of Welbeck. “I would like to keep that to myself,” said Wenger. “We sold Robin van Persie to Manchester United, it is a reciprocity that happened.